i do SO hate that 'so open minded yer brain'll fall out hurr hurr' statement. They usually think they're pretty damn clever too, deploying that little gem.

Listen, guys, having irrational prejudice and knowingly cultivating mental blocks does NOT make you smarter or more intellectual than open-minded people. It's generally the opposite, as open-minded people are less likely to view groups of people or ideologies as "the dreaded Other," and so are more likely to take in new information, ponder it, and CHANGE THEIR OPINION accordingly. Sticking to your guns isn't commendable when your guns are slingshots and the other guy has a flamethrower. It's just stubborn and stupid.